Thread: A Present For a New Citizen?

One of my former PhD students is becoming an Australian citizen soon and I'd like to give him a present.

Initially I thought of a fountain pen. I still think it is a nice idea, but his whole family are becoming Aussies so I changed my mind and started to wonder about a gift for the entire family: wife (I taught her as well as an undergraduate), daughter (4 years old) and son (12 years old).

Anyway, anyone have any ideas? About the only thing I've come up with so far is a BBQ, something like the mid-sized Webber Qs but am uncertain. I mean, nothing says "welcome to Straya" like a BBQ, but I was kinda hoping for something with a bit more "gravitas", something they can look at and remember through time. A BBQ strikes me as being a little flippant, maybe.

Open to any and all suggestions. This is a good man with a lovely family, and I am very proud to welcome them as citizens. I'd kind of like a gift that reflects that.

James.

When I think of gifts for people,,, I think of things I like would like to get,,,,,, guns, knives, bows, razors, brushes , lighters, firestarters, Duncan Donuts gift card,,,, here's a few ideas for you,,,,,,,

or,

Get each a nice canteen with carry capability, CamelBak hydration,,, so when they go traveling that beautiful OutBack,,, they have their canteens,,, you can even have their name embroidered on the cases cheap,,,,

That's an easy one for me. I buy em state coins with the year of their citizenship on it.

If I really like em - gold coins.
Kind of like em - silver.
Feel obligated lol - a simple set that isn't a precious metal.

I think they are great mementoes - especially if they are presentable. If they aren't, you can buy a simple double sided/glassed frame to mount it in and hang on the wall.

Hope that helps.

I'll throw one out for thought...a Birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, so maybe the BBQ as a "fun" gift, and a sapling from a Birch Tree for them to plant in their yard that will represent their new beginning.

Just thinking about it a bit more standing on the shoulders of Phrank - maybe have a park tree designated to them, just in case they move. Or a park bench?

Here's what the Celts say about the Birch tree...

"Bright and beautiful, the birch is a pioneer, courageously taking root and starting anew to revive the landscape where no other would before.

This is a powerful metaphor for our lives. The birch asks us to philosophically go where no other will go (voluntarily or otherwise). The birch asks us to take root in new soils and light our lives with the majesty of our very presence. The birch sings to us: "Shine, take hold, express your creative expanse, light the way so that others may follow."

Paradoxically, while the birch is a brilliant symbol of renewal, it is also symbolic of stability and structure. The druids also held the birch as the keepers of long-honored traditions."

Could a birch handle the summers there? Just wondering - I really haven't a clue. I love the meaning behind it!

Originally Posted by earcutter

Could a birch handle the summers there? Just wondering - I really haven't a clue. I love the meaning behind it!

Most likely, it's a pretty adaptable tree, it handles the brutally cold winters here and the searing hot summers...it's know to be highly adaptable even in the harshest most extreme conditions.

Nice! These are great ideas, thanks guys!

James.

Originally Posted by Phrank

I'll throw one out for thought...a Birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, so maybe the BBQ as a "fun" gift, and a sapling from a Birch Tree for them to plant in their yard that will represent their new beginning.

Originally Posted by earcutter

Just thinking about it a bit more standing on the shoulders of Phrank - maybe have a park tree designated to them, just in case they move. Or a park bench?

Oh mannnn ,,,you guys are about to make me drop a tear,,,,,,,, get'm a tool , something useful,,,

Jimbo,,, you teach martial arts, yes? ,,, then give the family, as a group, a handful of classes in self defense & environmental awareness,,, simple but effective techniques that they can maintain on their own after the lessons. This could pay out the ultimate dividends to one of them in the future,,,,